The Church of England have voted in favour of Women Bishops. We, in Scotland, did this some time ago although a woman has yet to be elected Bishop up here.
When the ordination of women to the priesthood went through in Scotland many moons ago, the Primus at that time (Richard Holloway) announced that there would be no provision made for those who struggled with this issue. This may have seemed harsh at the time but it did mean that in our little church you either had to get on with it or get out. In England they had ‘flying Bishops’ who were bishops of some but not of others (go figure). This has continued to create division and tension.
This time they have voted for no extra provision for those unable to respect the ministry of bishops who happen to be women. I think this was the right decision to make. And please don’t think that I don’t sympathise with those against the ordination of women – I was, once upon a time. That was before I studied theology and met some great women priests. If we want to belong to an Episcopal church which is Episcopally led and Synodically governed, then we have to accept the will of Synod or else get out.
And my favourite quote on the matter is…
We ordain women because we baptise girls.
14 responses so far ↓
Kelvin Holdsworth // July 8, 2008 at 10:23 am |
I recently heard the same argument used for gay bishops – if you don’t want gay people to become bishops, stop baptising gay babies.
revruth // July 8, 2008 at 11:28 am |
I like it!
Elizabeth // July 8, 2008 at 2:47 pm |
Agreed! I do find the baptism argument most compelling. (I had a momentary mental image what sketch comedy could do with such an argument – imagine the scenario of a priest earnestly discussing sexuality with an infant (or his or her parents) in an attempt to discover whether the infant in question would make a ’suitable’ bishop in future.
Therese of the Roses // July 8, 2008 at 6:08 pm |
Ruth, the word of the Lord came unto me saying women look fab in Purple and that was it…. women should be bishops….
I have no say purple is not for all. me stick to black and sack cloth I know my place in life…
but I do wonder, should you be called to be Rt.Revd. mother of Isles or some other far reach of Scotland I will rejoice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
agatha // July 8, 2008 at 6:15 pm |
Are you not worried about opening up the whole infant baptism debate here too!!!!
revruth // July 8, 2008 at 7:04 pm |
Go for it Agatha, if you dare!
revruth // July 8, 2008 at 7:06 pm |
Sr Therese, no I’m afraid I’m with you. A humble priest I shall remain – I know my place. And you and I know that I have a ‘past’!! Now we don’t want that all over the tabloids!
Plus, who would want that job? Dealing with all the horrible jobs? Not me! Give me the people any day.
Moyra // July 9, 2008 at 7:10 am |
I had an argument with my mother which went something along the lines of her suggesting it was about time I grew out of this church and God nonsense, (I was 23, and considering joining a religious community…) and what had she done to deserve this, and I pointed out she’d had me baptised!
Moyra // July 9, 2008 at 7:11 am |
Oops – how did that smiley get there! It’s not inappropriate, just unexpected.
revruth // July 9, 2008 at 7:52 am |
I like it, Moyra!
Leah V-S // July 10, 2008 at 8:02 pm |
Must remember to use that quote next time my mother despairs that her daughter became a priest (from a non church going family!). I had no idea that the Scottish Episcopal church had not had any pastoral clauses for the opposition. Very interesting! Can’t wait for you lot to elect a women Bishop though- surely you’ll get there before legislation passes down here!
Rev Ruth // July 14, 2008 at 1:39 pm |
Leah, we have recently ordained a few new bishops and although I think some women were long-listed, none made it to the short list. But I reckon its only a matter of time.
Raymond // July 20, 2008 at 8:06 am |
You can pursue this whole business without looking at Holy Scripture and when you do, where is your authority for the ordination of women bishops or clergy ?
It is political correctness which like in so many other things, turns the Scriptures of Truth on their head.
Martin Luther declared that his conscience was captive to the Word of God.
John 4 v 24
SOLA SCRIPTURA SOLI DEO GLORIA
revruth // July 22, 2008 at 9:36 am |
So all the women called to ordination were just imagining it?